DOH Sec clarifies PH not in second COVID-19 wave

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III clarified that the Philippines is experiencing its "first major wave of sustained transmission" of COVID-19, not a "second wave" as previously stated.

Duque explained that his earlier statement to the Senate about a second wave was a "casual expression of an epidemiological fact" and caused public confusion.

He elaborated that the initial wave consisted of three imported cases in January, followed by a bigger wave after February, which is now considered the first major wave of sustained transmission.

DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. John Wong supported Duque's clarification, stating that the country reached the peak of COVID-19 cases in March and saw a decline in April.

Wong expressed optimism that the current situation could be maintained or a new wave delayed if the public adheres to recommended health measures.

However, several Cabinet members, including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, disputed Duque's claim, with Medialdea stating that the country has yet to experience a second wave.